Planning your next move? A new study reveals the best European countries for women to live and work in 2025.
Credit : Iryna Kalamurza, Shutterstock
If you’re a woman wondering where in Europe the grass really is greener- especially when it comes to work, money, and a fair shot at a good life, the numbers are in. And yes, you might want to invest in a good pair of woolly socks, because Northern Europe is absolutely smashing it.
Why Denmark, Finland and Sweden keep coming out on top
Let’s not beat around the bush: if you’re dreaming of a place where women don’t have to fight tooth and nail for basics like fair pay or decent maternity leave, look no further than Denmark, Finland and Sweden. It’s almost unfair how far ahead they are.
Take Denmark, for starters. Not only do women here get a whopping year and a half of maternity leave (yes, really), but they’re also seeing some of the lowest gaps when it comes to women in management. There’s a sense that equality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s baked into daily life, from boardrooms to baby groups.
Finland isn’t far behind, either. Women there are running businesses, smashing glass ceilings, and doing it all while the gender gap in employment is barely worth mentioning. We’re talking a difference of 1.5 per cent- practically unheard of elsewhere.
And then there’s Sweden. Not only are Swedes offering a whole year off for new mums, but their gender wage gap is tiny. Sure, there are still more men than women running things at the very top, but when it comes to the basics-fair pay, good childcare, the freedom to choose—life’s good.
A spokesperson from the company behind the latest ranking put it best: “These countries have set the gold standard for what real support looks like. If you want a blueprint for change, just look north.”
Why are southern European countries lagging behind for women in 2025?
It’s not all sunshine and roses further south, sadly. If you’re heading for Italy or Greece, expect a bit more of an uphill battle. The study puts both countries at the bottom of the list for working women in 2025.
Italy stands out for all the wrong reasons—more women are left out of the workforce here than anywhere else in Western Europe. Greece isn’t doing much better. Old-school attitudes and fewer policies designed with women in mind mean it’s just tougher to get ahead.
And if you’re thinking the UK or France must be safe bets, don’t get too comfy. Britain has shockingly few women starting their own businesses, and France- progressive as it can be- still has the widest pay gap among the top-ranked countries. There’s clearly work to do.
The secret sauce: What makes life better for women?
What’s the magic formula up north? In a nutshell: generous parental leave, clear rules about equal pay, real support for women in business, and a culture that’s genuinely interested in making sure women can have a life outside the office.
It sounds simple, but as anyone who’s ever struggled with nursery fees or a dodgy contract will tell you, it’s anything but. The difference is that countries like Denmark, Finland and Sweden aren’t just talking about it—they’re making it happen. That’s what makes the gap so wide between them and places like Italy or Greece.
So, if you’re weighing up your next move or just daydreaming about where life could be a bit fairer, keep an eye on the north. It’s not just the winters that are cool.
The best and worst European countries for women in 2025: In a nutshell
- Best bets for women in 2025? Denmark, Finland and Sweden.
- Lagging behind: Italy and Greece.
- The big factors: Equal pay, family-friendly policies, and real chances to lead or start your own business.
- Lesson for the rest? Real change means putting your money (and your policies) where your mouth is.
So, are you already packing your bags for Copenhagen or Stockholm? Or do you think southern sunshine is worth a bit of a fight for equality? Either way, let’s keep the conversation going—because every woman deserves a fair shot, no matter where she calls home.
Find more european news
Read more news about Travel
